Safety means for storage devices



April 19, 1955 H. INGOLD 2,705,573

SAFETY MEANS FOR STORAGE DEVICES Filed March 5, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet l I N V EN TOR. f vy'l Z xiii/VJ 01 5010 m'mkiw April 19, 1955 H. INGOLD 2,706,573

SAFETY MEANSIFOR STORAGE DEVICES Filed March 5, 1952 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 United States Patent SAFETY MEANS FOR STORAGE DEVICES Hans Ingold, Zurich, Switzerland Application March 5, 1952, Serial No. 274,972

6 Claims. (Cl. 214-16) This invention relates to safety means applicable to movable cabinet, shelf, storage and similar devices for storing and accommodating goods, documents, and other articles.

In order to save considerable storage space and to economize same to the utmost, applicant has disclosed in his copending application, Ser. No. 16,588; filed Mar. 23, 1948, now Patent No. 2,654,489, a storage device with movably disposed container units which may be placed in juxtaposition and contact with each other to close said device and of which two predetermined adjacent container units may be spaced from each other to open the device and to provide an aisle or corridor therebetween for access to such opened container units.

In order to increase safety and control of movement of said container units, the present invention has as one of its objects means ensuring in particular the return movement of said container units only after a predetermined blocking device or devices have been released or reset by means of a single key which is subsequently employed for closing a motor circuit to bring about return movement of said container units into closing position.

It is another object of the invention to provide means affording simple and compact construction, easy and convenient installation and safe operation of control switch means for starting and stopping the movements of said container units at will.

A further object of the present invention is to provide means facilitating the interruption of push buttoncontrolled circuits until a predetermined time interval has elapsed and after the establishment of a respective control circuit has taken place to bring about movement of the container units to closing position.

Still another object of the invention is to provide means conducive to efiicient and automatically acting control means working in predetermined sequence to thereby avoid injury to persons or damage to articles when located in the aisle or corridor between two opened container units and before same are returned to juxtaposition.

The above and still further objects of the present in vention will become apparent by consulting the drawings wherein Fig. 1 is the left hand grouping of the circuits of the wiring diagram, and

Fig. 2 is the right hand grouping of the same wiring diagram concerning the storage device of the present invention.

Referring now particularly to the drawing, there is shown one form of a storage device according to the present invention which includes a plurality of movably disposed container units normally placed in juxtaposition and contact with each other to close and lock the storage device. Further the units may be moved relative to each other to form an aisle between two selected ones of the units. Adjacent the units L is an actuating or coupling rod in which can be selectively coupled to one or more of the units L, as disclosed in copending application, Ser. No. 16, 588. Secured to the end of the rod m remote from the units L is an abutment P which is selectively engageable with the normally closed limit switches G, H and K. As illustrated, the limit switches H and K, each of which is spring-biased to the closed position, are maintained in open position by the abutment P when the units L are in juxtaposition. The limit switch G is spring-biased in closed position and is opened by holding contacts 3-11. Similarly,

contact with the abutment P and in response to the movement of rod m in a direction and to extent as to form an aisle between two predetermined or selected units L. Upon movement of the abutment P away from limit switches H, K and toward switch G, the limit switches H, K are returned to their normally closed position. The function of the switches G, H and K is to limit the extent of the back and forth movements of the coupling or actualtinglrod m, as will be subsequently described in greater etal The back and forth movement of the coupling rod m to form and close the aisle between selected units L is efiected by means of motor M which is of the reversible type and has its terminals U, V, W connectable to a suitable source of three phase current RST through a control circuit 30, the latter being controlled from the command stations KS, K181 which are arranged at opposite far ends of the storage device and consent switches Q which are carried by the individual storage units L.

The control circuit 30 includes a relay C for effecting the opening movement, a relay D for effecting the closing movement, a storage relay A for controlling the closing relay D, and a time relay B connected to the storage relay A and the closing relay D. The three phase source RST is connected through the main fuses F1, the motor protective switch N, and the three pole contacts of switches C and D to the terminals U, V, W of motor M, so that when relay D is energized, the terminals R and U, S and V, and T and W are connected with each other to cause rotation of the motor M in the direction for moving the container units L into juxtaposition with respect to each other, and when relay C is energized, the terminals U and W are interchanged to cause rotation of the motor M in the direction for moving selected container units L out of juxtaposition. Accordingly, the desired back and forth movement can be imparted to the coupling rod m from the motor M in response to the energization of the relays C and D.

Referring now specifically to the control circuit 30, the latter is supplied with current from two phases RS of the motor supply, the current being fed through fuses F2 to the primary of transformer J. The secondary of transformer J is connected through fuses F3 and safety plugs SP, to the conductors 2, 12. Conductor 12 is connected to one side of the energization coil of relays A, B, C and D.

The opening relay C includes an energization coil 12-15, normally closed working contacts 6-14, and the closing relay D includes an energization coil 12-14, normally closed Working contacts 3-15, and holding contacts 6-13. As clearly illustrated, the working contacts 6-14 of relay C are connected in the energization circuit of relay D, while the working contacts 3-15 of relay D are connected in the energization circuit of relay C. Accordingly, relays C, D are locked against each other and energization of one relay precludes the energization of the other relay.

The energization of relay D is effected through storage relay A which includes an energization coil 12-8, rest contacts 4-11, holding contacts 8-9, and work contacts 10-13. The holding contacts 8-9 and the work contacts are connected'so that opening relay C operates only upon deenergization of storage relay A and the closing relay D only upon energization of storage relay A.

Connected in parallel to the storage relay A is the time relay or switch B whichhas an energization coil b and includes an electric clockwork t. The time relay B is constructed so that upon the expiration of a predetermined time and in response to the energization of coil b, the contacts 5-13 and 8-16 are opened. The contacts 5-13 are connected in the energization circuit of relay D, whereas the contacts 8-16 are connected in the current supply circuit for the clockwork t. Accordingly, relay B can effectuate the opening of the energization circuit of the relay D and interrupt the current supply for clockwork t.

The command stations KS, K181, which are employed in conjunction with the consent switches Q to operate the control circuit 30, each comprises an opening switch X raving contacts 3-11, :1 closing switch Y having contacts 5-5, and push button emergency switches Z1, Z2. The )ush button switch Z1 of station K151 is connected in se- 'ies with the push button switch Z2 of station KS and both [I6 connected in the energization circuits of the relays C. D and A. The respective switches X, Y of the control :tatlons are connected in the energization circuits of the claws C and D, respectively, and control the operation of he same, as will be subsequently described.

The consent switches Q are located on each container 1nit L and are accessible to an operator upon the forma :ion of an aisle between predetermined units. Each of :he consent switches Q includes contacts 8-9, the respective consent switches being connected in parallel with each other and in the energization circuit of storage relay A.

The switches X, Y at the command stations KS, K131 and the consent switches Q on the respective units L are each provided with a suitable lock operated by a master key. Accordingly, before any one of the switches can be actuated, the master key must be employed to unlock same. Further, the consent switches Q, which can only be closed after being unlocked and when the adjacent container units L are separated to form an aisle therebetween, are each automatically opened in response to the return of the respective units L into abutment and juxtaposition with respect to each other.

The operation of the device is as follows:

When the container units L are in juxtaposition with respect to each other, the various switches are in the positions illustrated in the drawing. If, for example, it is desired to form an aisle between the second and third units L, then the coupling (not shown) of the second container unit is connected with the actuating rod m, as disclosed and described in the aforesaid copending application. Either of the control switches X is unlocked and closed and an energization circuit for the opening relay C is completed over conductor 2, push button Z2, conductor 7, push button Z1, conductor 1, limit switch G, conductor 4, rest contacts 4-11 of storage relay A, conductor 11, control switch X, conductor 3, normally closed work contact 3-15 of relay D, conductor 15, energization coil 1215 of opening relay C, and conductor 12 Accordingly, the opening relay C is energized and the motor M is driven in the direction for forming an aisle between the second and third container units L. The actuating rod m is moved to the left until the abutment P engages the limit switch G and interrupts the energization circuit for the opening relay C. Since the holding contact 3-11 of relay C is in parallel with control switch X, the master key can be removed from the latter and the switch X reopened without interrupting or affecting the circuit of the opening relay C. However once the abutment P engages the switch G, relay C is deenergized and the motor circuit is interrupted.

The push button emergency switches Z1, 22 can be employed at any time during the opening movement to interrupt the energization circuit for the opening relay C. If prior to actuating either of the switches Z1, Z2 the master key is removed from control switch X, then after releasing either of the switches Z1, Z2, the motor M will remain deenergized since the relay C is not energized. However, if the control switch X remains closed, releasing the switches Z1, Z2 will once again complete the energization circuit for relay C to continue operatign of the motor M until the limit switch G is engage Closing of the aisle cannot be initiated by merely op erating switch Y which is connected in the energization circuit of closing relay D, since the circuit remains interrupted through working contacts -13 of storage relay A. Accordingly, before the control command can be given from either command station KS; K181, one of the consent switches Q must be actuated in order to complete the energization circuit for storage relay A, whereby contacts 10-13 are bridged and the closing relay is conditioned for energization in response to the closing of one of the switches Y.

The consent circuit for closing relay D includes conductor 2, push button switch Z2, conductor 7, push button switch Z1, conductor 1, limit switch K, conductor 9, consent switch Q, conductor 8, the coil 8-12 of storage relay A, and conductor 12. Upon energization of storage relay A, the self holding contacts 8-9 thereof are closed and bridge the consent switch Q thereby keeping the en ergization circuit for storage relay closed even if the master control key is removed from consent switch Q. Thereafter the master key is inserted into one of the switches Y in order to operate closing relay D. The energization circuit for closing relay D includes conductor 2, push button switch Z2, conductor 7, push button switch Z1, conductor 1, limit switch H, conductor 10, work contacts Ill-13 of storage relay A, contacts 5-13 of time switch B, conductor 5, control switch Y, conductor 6, work contacts 614 of opening relay C, conductor 14, the coil of closing relay D, and conductor 12.

Upon completing the energization circuit for closing relay D, the self holding contacts 613 thereof are closed and bridge contacts 513 of the time switch B and further the control switches Y. Accordingly, upon withdrawal of the master key from either of the switches Y, the motor M still runs.

At the end of the closing movement, abutment P operates limit switches H, K whereby the energization circuits of closing relay D and of storage relay A will be interrupted. Accordingly, the motor M stops and all the switches return to the normal position, as shown.

The closing movement can be interrupted by actuating either of the switches Z1, Z2 which opens conductor 2 and deenergizes the closing relay D. Upon release of either of the switches Z1, Z2, closing movement does not continue since the energization circuit for storage relay A is interrupted. In order to complete the closing movement, the consent switch Q must be operated before the operation of control switch Y.

It is apparent that the container units L can be reopened at any intermediate stage of the closing movement by merely pressing either of the push button switches Z1, Z2 and then subsequently operating one of the control switches X.

During each energization of storage relay A, the coil b of the time relay B is connected to the source of potential 2, 12 and the electric clockwork t starts in response to operation of the storage relay A. Thereupon, after a predetermined time interval has passed, the sequential operation of consent switch Q and switch Y, do not operate to bring about closing movement since contacts 5--13 of time relay B interrupt conductor 13 which is in the energization circuit of D. Accordingly, operation of a consent switch Q followed by operation of switch Y after a predetermined time interval has passed does not result in the energization of closing relay D. In this situation, in order to effectuate closing movement, either push button switch Z1, Z2 must be operated in order to interrupt the energization circuit for storage relay A, then the appropriate consent switch Q has to be operated, and thereafter, within the predetermined time limit, the control switch Y must be actuated.

This precaution has been taken in case, upon obtainment of a consent by operation of the appropriate consent switch Q, but omission to complete the closing operation due to the negligence, sickness or inadvertence of the operator, closing movement cannot be initiated by another operator without first being appraised of the cause of the interruption of the closing operation.

If operation of control switch Y occurs in the predetermined time interval and after the consent command rendered by the appropriate consent switch Q, the time relay or switch is not operative to disable the relay D, since the contacts 5-13 of time switch B as well as control switch Y are bridged through holding contacts 6-13 of the closing relay D.

In view or the electro-responsive locking arrangement, false manipulation of the device leading to damage of the equipment or injury to the operators is minimized. Further the safety factor of the device is favorably influenced by the use of a single control or master key for the various switches.

It is apparent that replaced by suitable the electro-responsive relays can be electronic tube devices to effectuate the desired controls. Further the groups of container units L can be arranged in rows, adjacent groups being separated by walls. if necessary, the rows of container unit groups can be arranged in tiers and controls provided between the respective units of the rows and tiers.

While a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and herein described, it will be understood that the same is capable of modifications without departure from the general scope and spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent, is:

1. Electric drive means for effecting movement of two juxtaposed container units into and out of an open position, comprising first electro-responsive control means for said drive means and operable for effecting movement of said container units into said open position, second electroresponsive control means for said drive means and operable for effecting movement of said container units out of said open position, first and second switch means operable in sequence to effect the energization of said second electroresponsive control means, and time delay means operable in reseponse to closing of said first switch means and disabling said second electro-responsive control means after a. predetermined time interval and rendering the latter control means non-responsive to closing of said second switch means.

2. Electric drive means according to claim 1, wherein said first switch means is arranged for access only upon the provision of an aisle between said two predetermined adjacent container units.

3. Electric drive means according to claim '1, including third switch means operable to eifect the energization of said first electro-responsive control means.

4. Means for controlling electric drive means for effecting movement of two juxtaposed container units into and out of an open position, comprising first electro-responsive control means for said drive means and operable for effecting movement of said container units into said open position, second electro-responsive control means for said drive means and operable for effecting movement of said container units out of said open position, third electroresponsive control means normally disabling said second electro-responsive control means, a first switch means operable to energize said third electro-responsive control means to condition said second electro-responsive control means for energization, and second switch means operable after closing of said first switch means to effect the energization of said second electro-responsive control means, time delay means operable in response to closing of said first switch means and disabling said second electroresponsive control means after a predetermined time interval and rendering the latter control means non-responsive to closing of said second switch means.

5. Means according to claim 4, wherein said first switch means is arranged for access only upon the provision of an aisle between said two container units.

6. Means according to claim 5, including third switch means operable to effect the energization of said first electro-responsive control means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 766,660 Bohannan Aug. 2, 1904 2,166,704 Foulkes July 18, 1939 2,605,911 Medway Aug. 5, 1952 2,664,216 Johnson et al. Dec. 29, 1953 

